Staying connected is essential when visiting a bustling city like Hong Kong. csl is a leading mobile service provider offering reliable SIM card and eSIM solutions for tourists and travelers. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about CSL’s offerings to help you determine which best fits your needs during your trip.
Table of Contents
I. Quick facts about csl
- CSL is Hong Kong’s first mobile operator established in 1983 and is a Hong Kong Telecommunication (HKT) subsidiary.
- CSL offers various services and products to its customers, such as 5G, roaming, prepaid, postpaid, data, voice, and broadband. CSL Mobile claims to have the best 5G network coverage in Hong Kong, covering all MTR lines, country parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and significant cycle tracks. CSL Mobile also provides roaming solutions to more than 300 destinations worldwide.
II. csl Mobile Operator Services
Below is a concise overview of csl’s main offerings, highlighting coverage, flexibility, and user-focused features.
- 5G and 4G Services: csl provides robust 5G coverage and reliable 4G connections, aiming to deliver high-speed internet across Hong Kong.
- Flexible Data Plans: From budget-friendly options to unlimited data packages, csl caters to diverse usage needs.Wi-Fi Hotspots: Customers enjoy access to a wide network of csl Wi-Fi hotspots, offering an alternative connection in busy areas.
- Roaming Packages: Frequent travelers benefit from affordable roaming plans, covering major international destinations.
- Value-Added Features: csl users can access entertainment, rewards, and exclusive app features designed to enhance the mobile experience.
III. csl coverage and speed in Hong Kong
csl offers broad and reliable coverage throughout Hong Kong.
- In dense urban districts—such as Central, Causeway Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui—users typically see strong 4G/5G signals, ensuring smooth browsing, streaming, and gaming.
- While remote areas or underground environments may experience occasional dips in performance, overall connectivity remains consistent. These independent findings confirm that csl stands out as one of Hong Kong’s top mobile providers for dependable network coverage.
IV. Best csl offers SIM cards and eSIMs for tourists & costs
CSL offers two types of SIM cards and one type of eSIM for tourists who visit Hong Kong. Here are the best options and costs for each type:
1. csl Hong Kong SIM cards for tourists
csl has both Local Prepaid SIM Cards and special prepaid SIM cards for tourists who want to discover Hong Kong and enjoy local and international ca
lls, mobile data, and Wi-Fi service at a reasonable price.
csl Local Prepaid SIM Card
csl Local Prepaid SIM Card is a prepaid SIM card designed for Hong Kong residents. It offers basic communication services such as local voice and video calls, IDD voice calls, SMS, and mobile data. You can also enjoy csl Wi-Fi, data roaming, and KingKing voice roaming service by subscribing to different data passes.
There are 3 types of csl Local Prepaid SIM cards available, depending on your needs and preferences:
| SIM Card | Price | Total data entitlement | Local Minutes | Validity |
| Local Prepaid SIM Card | 48 HKD | 6GB | Free of charge | 30 days |
| 100 HKD | 18GB | Free of charge | 30 days | |
| 180 HKD | 18GB | Free of charge | 30 days |
Tourists can use csl Local Prepaid SIM Card, but they may not enjoy the same benefits as the csl Discover Hong Kong Tourist Prepaid SIM Card, which provides various types of prepaid card options for visitors.
csl Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM Card
This is a plug-and-play SIM card that provides local 4G mobile data, unlimited local voice calls, unlimited csl Wi-Fi service, and preferential IDD rates to 35 destinations for 10 days. There are two types of csl Discover Hong Kong Tourist Prepaid SIM cards available:
csl Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM Card
| SIM Card | Price | Local Data | Local Minutes | Validity |
| Discover Hong Kong Tourist SIM Card | 88 HKD | 3 GB | Unlimited | 5 days |
| 118 HKD | 8 GB | Unlimited | 8 days |
If you want to use your SIM card in Mainland China, Macau, or Taiwan, you can subscribe to a roaming data pass for as low as 48 HKD for 500MB for 3 days. You can also make roaming voice calls at a flat rate to Hong Kong or the local destination.
2. csl Hong Kong eSIM plans for tourists
CSL offers various eSIM plans for different needs and budgets, to meet any customer’s needs and budget.
Hong Kong visitors can buy eSIMs using the csl network via Club SIM. Check the details and prices here. You can consider the 4.5G No Contract Local Data and Voice Service Package:
Club eSIM
| SIM Card | Price | Local Data | Local Minutes | Validity |
| Club eSIM | 58 HKD | 20 GB | Free of charge | 30 days |
| 88 HKD | 40 GB | Free of charge | 30 days | |
| 128 HKD | 80 GB | Free of charge | 30 days |
Get an eSIM Hong Kong with esimhongkong.net as an alternative. Order online and activate on compatible devices without a physical store visit or extra fees.
Keep a reliable connection with eSIM Hong Kong
V. Where can you buy a csl SIM card and eSIM?
You can purchase a csl SIM card or eSIM from different places depending on the type of card you need. Here are some places for buying csl SIM cards/eSIM:
1. Where to buy a csl SIM card
You can buy this card from convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Circle K, VanGO, airport counters, or other authorized sales channels, or online.
- At Hong Kong International Airport:
You can buy a csl SIM card at the 1010 store at Hong Kong International Airport. The 1010 store is located at Terminal 1, Arrivals Level (L5), near the A13 and A16 counters. The 1010 store sells various csl SIM cards and eSIMs for different needs and budgets, such as the Discover Hong Kong Tourist Prepaid SIM Card or the monthly plans.
2. Where to buy a csl eSIM
csl eSIM can be bought through the Club SIM website with free delivery within 5 days.
If you are looking for a reliable and affordable eSIM service for your travels or business trips, CSL Hong Kong eSIM by esimhongkong.net is an excellent choice.
Don’t miss out on the convenience and reliability of a CSL eSIM in Hong Kong. Head over to esimhongkong.net now to purchase yours. With straightforward processes and excellent customer service, you won’t regret choosing esimhongkong.net for all your eSIM needs.
VI. How to use csl Hong Kong SIM Card/eSIM
Follow these simple steps to start enjoying fast and affordable service with CSL, one of the territory’s major carriers.
1. How to use tourist csl Hong Kong SIM Card
To use the tourist csl Hong Kong SIM, simply follow these steps:
Insert the card into your device → Complete Real-name Registration → Auto activates the 5-day / 8-day Pass.
Note: If you’re having trouble accessing the internet on your mobile phone using our network, make sure your Access Point Name (APN) is set to “mobile” and leave the proxy server address and port blank.
2. How to set up and activate csl Hong Kong eSIM
Scan the QR code provided according to the activation procedure of the relevant device. After the SIM activation process is completed, you can enjoy your csl eSIM. Here is the detailed process for Android phones and iPhones:
- On Android phones:
Click Setting → Connect → Sim Card Manager → Join Mobile Plan → Join with QR code/Activation Code → Use the device to scan the QR code → Click Join to add mobile plan → The screen displays Joining the program… → Click OK to activate the plan.
- On iPhone:
Click Setting → Choose Mobile Network → Join Mobile Network Plan → Scan the camera lens to the QR code provided by the network operator → Click Join Mobile Network Plan → Chang the label of major or mobile number (if desired) → Select default phone number → Choose the phone number associated with your Apple ID services → Select the default mobile data number and enable backup (if required) → Your mobile plan is ready to use.
VII. How to top-up your csl eSIM/SIM card
There are several ways to top-up your csl SIM card, depending on your preference and convenience. Here are some methods to top-up your card:
top-up csl eSIM/SIM card
| Method | How to do | Lead Time |
| Recharge via csl app | You can use csl app to recharge your prepaid SIM card on your handset via an Internet banking facility. | Instant |
| Recharge via csl’s Easy TopUp app | You can use csl’s Easy TopUp app to recharge your prepaid SIM card on your handset via an Internet banking facility for a specific Hong Kong bank account. Currently, the app supports the Internet banking of Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited. | Within 5 mins |
| Recharge Voucher | You can purchase a recharge voucher at any csl shop, 24-hour convenience store, or csl authorized dealer. The vouchers are from $50 to $300. Each voucher comes with an instant bonus value that will be credited to your account immediately. Use your mobile to dial ##124*the password on voucher#. | Instant |
| Recharge via the website | Go to prepaid.hkcsl.com → Select Top-up Payment Method → Choose between Visa and Master Card/Octopus/Tap & Go App/Payme → Enter your phone number and the top-up amount → Press Confirm → Follow the next instructions. | Within 5 mins |
| Via ATM | You can use an ATM terminal from HSBC or Hang Seng Bank to recharge your prepaid SIM card. Select csl Mobile Service and bill type "22" → Enter your mobile phone number as your account number and follow the instructions to finish. | Within 3 working days |
| Payment By Phone Service (PPS) | You can use the PPS hotline 18031 or ppshk.com to recharge your prepaid SIM card. Select merchant code "9591", enter your mobile number followed by "#", then follow the rest of the instructions. | Within 3 working days |
| Recharge via the Alipay HK app | Open the app → select Bill Payment → select 1010/csl → Choose Prepaid Top-Up → enter your phone number and the top-up amount (between $50 and $300) → press Pay Now. | Within 5 mins |
| Recharge via WeChat Pay(Hong Kong wallet) | Open the app → Select Telecom Payment → Select csl → Choose Prepaid Card Top-Up → Enter your phone number and the top-up amount (between $50 and $500) → Press Pay Now. | Within 5 mins |
VIII. How to check csl Balance (csl USSD code)
There are different ways to check your csl balance, depending on your SIM card type and service plan. Here are some of the csl USSD Codes you can use:
| Service | Quick Access Code |
| Main balance checking | *109# |
| Subscribed service status checking | *101# |
| Roaming Data Usage checking (Overseas) | *101*2# |
| Remaining stored value & validity(inquiry in HK and abroad) | *111# |
You can also check your csl balance by logging in to the csl app.
IX. FAQs
Who is the owner of CSL Mobile?
Established in 1983 as the first mobile communications operator in Hong Kong, CSL Mobile is a subsidiary of Hong Kong Telecom that provides a range of mobile and telecom services in the city, including tariff plans, handsets, devices, tablets, gadgets, data roaming, mobile internet, and infotainment.
Can I get csl SIM Card at Hong Kong International Airport?
Yes, you can get a csl SIM card at Hong Kong International Airport. There are several shops and counters that sell csl SIM cards, such as 1010, 7-Eleven, and RELAY. You can find them in the arrivals hall of Terminal 1, between the two exits from customs.
Which type of csl SIM card should I choose: the regular one or the tourist one?
There are two types of csl SIM cards that you can buy at the airport: regular and tourist:
Regular SIM cards are cheaper and have more options for top-up and data plans, but they require registration with your passport or ID card.
Tourist SIM cards are more expensive and have limited options for top-up and data plans, but they do not require registration and can be used immediately.
Where can I purchase csl eSIM?
You can check the details on the csl website and visit csl physical shops for application.
X. Final words
Even while conventional SIM cards have been around for a while and are reliable, eSIM technology offers several advantages, including increased security, simplicity, and flexibility. It is anticipated that eSIM technology will become more accessible as technology develops, and other mobile network operators will probably follow csl’s example and provide their customers with this choice.
